Review: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

CLAIRE WOOD

HUNTER S Thompson’s novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a cult classic that documents a drink and drug fuelled jaunt to the casino capital.

* * * * *

PLEASANCE COURTYARD

This stage adaptation is incredibly true to the novel, originally serialised in Rolling Stone magazine. Writer and director Lou Stein said he experienced a tense moment when Thompson turned up at a rehearsal – but thankfully, the production passed the test.

A chaotic, colourful canter through Duke and Gonzo’s escapades is brought to life with fire and flair by Tom Moores and the emphatically larger than life Rob Crouch.

Sammy Kissin and Ben Hood are enormous fun as an eclectic collection of waiters, receptionists, lawyers, lovely ladies and even a beautifully inventive dwarf.

An inventive set and projected illustrations enhance the hallucinogenic roadtrip nicely. Bad language abounds and there’s some nudity, building effectively on the riotous humour.

Every Wednesday and Sunday, Stein is offering a bottle of Thompson’s favourite bourbon to the audience member who dresses most inventively.

Don’t make this your excuse to go see it though. This is a boisterous, brash romp through a sliver of bohemian America.

“There was madness in any direction”, wrote Thompson and now you can live it with him.